Five “Spooktacular” Gaithersburg Events Not to Miss this October

From the City of Gaithersburg: Halloween is just around the corner and the City of Gaithersburg is celebrating all October long with programs and activities sure to send a chill down your spine. Ghost stories, scary films and a murder mystery as well as family-friendly ghoulish activities are among the “spooktacular” offerings you’ll find throughout the City this fall. There’s even something for our canine friends.

Here are five can’t-miss Halloween-themed events coming up in Gaithersburg:

Scary Film & Brew Party: Hitchcock’s “The Birds”

October 13, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Film starts at 7:30 p.m.

Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

Celebrate Friday the 13th with seasonal brews and the chilling Hitchcock classic, “The Birds.” Wear a costume and enter to win tickets to the next Scary Film. Cash bar will be available, photo ID required. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online here.

301-258-6394, www.facebook.com/ArtsontheGreen

Civil War Ghost Tales

October 26, 1 & 8 p.m.

Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

Few events have sparked more legends and stories of the supernatural than America's Civil War. Actor and storyteller David Dossey has collected many of the stories about still restless spirits for whom the war is not yet over. A former Gettysburg tour guide, Dossey uses his love of history and storytelling to entertain guests of all ages. Admission is $20, $12 for ages 14 and under. This program is recommended for ages 12 and older.

301-258-6394, www.facebook.com/ArtsontheGreen

Murder at the Mansion – Murder by the Book

October 27 & 28 at 8 p.m., October 29 at 2 p.m.

Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road

Arts on the Green and A Taste for Murder Productions present the interactive murder mystery “Murder by the Book” by Dean Fiala, the latest installment of the Murder at the Mansion Dessert Theater series. Mickey’s bookstore, Under Covers, is on the brink of collapse. He hopes a book signing by the author of “Roses are Dead and So Are You” will bring customers to shore up the store and balance the books. But the author, Edgar, causes tremors of trouble. Who will be buried and who will survive when there's a murder by the book? Tickets are $35 per person, $60 per couple, and include a dessert buffet and non-alcoholic beverages. Cash bar available, photo ID required. This event is appropriate for those 18 and older.

301-258-6425, www.facebook.com/KentlandsMansion

Pizza and a Movie: “Ghost Train” (1941)

Friday, October 27, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Community Museum, 9 South Summit Avenue

Hijinks and chills ensue when people become stranded at an isolated station as a legendary phantom train approaches. Enjoy dinner and a movie featuring pizza and beer from Greene Growlers. Admission is $20, $15 for City of Gaithersburg residents. Photo ID required to purchase alcohol. Reservations required.

301-258-6160, www.facebook.com/GaithersburgCommunityMuseum

Boo! at the Barn

October 29, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road

Just in time for Halloween! In partnership with Echoes of Nature and Zoës Kitchen, Arts on the Green brings back the very popular Boo! at the Barn, a children’s program full of ghoulish fun featuring themed art activities, games, a costume parade, trick-or-treating, live animal ambassadors, a canine costume contest at 2 p.m., and more. Costumes are not required but encouraged for all. Enjoy complimentary snacks provided by Zoës Kitchen. Admission is free. This family event is recommended for young children. Performances of Into the Woods, Jr., a children’s version of the Broadway musical, take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (tickets required).

301-258-6394, www.facebook.com/ArtsontheGreen

For more information, visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

Image via Pixabay